Republic Day 2020: Indian Navy's tableau to showcase Vikrant, Kalvari, Op Varsha Rahat
New Delhi, Jan 08: The Navy's Republic Day 2020 tableau will showcase country's first indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant with MiG-29K aircraft, Kalvari submarines and depict the force's humanitarian assistance during the Maharashatra floods last year.
Indian Navy theme - Silent, Strong, and Swift
A
model
of
the
tableau
was
unveiled
at
the
Kota
House
here
on
Wednesday.
The
theme
of
the
tableau
is
'Indian
Navy
-
Silent,
Strong,
and
Swift',
a
senior
Navy
official
said,
adding
its
front
portion
will
showcase
the
might
and
firepower
of
the
force
in
all
three
dimensions
--
surface,
sub-surface
and
air.
Kalvari-class submarine
The state-of-the-art features of the Kalvari-class submarine include superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision guided weapon.
The submarine is designed to operate in all theatres, including the tropics. All means and communications are provided to ensure interoperability with other components of a naval task force.
INS Kalvari -- the first in a series of six submarines -- was commissioned into the Navy's service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2017.
The second in the series -- INS Khanderi -- was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Mumbai on September 28 last year.
Indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant
The tableau will portray the indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, which is being manufactured at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi, along with its complement of MiG-29K fighter aircraft.
"This not only depicts the strength of the Indian Navy but is representative of the Navy's total commitment to the 'Make in India' initiative of the government," the official said.
Might and glory
Overall,
the
tableau
aims
to
showcase
the
Navy
as
a
"credible
and
combat
ready
military
force",
which
in
service
of
the
nation,
protects
its
economic
assets
and
provides
succour
to
its
populace
in
times
of
crisis
and
natural
calamities.
Flood relief operation 'Op Varsha Rahat' undertaken in Maharashtra in July 2019, in partnership with NDRF and other agencies to rescue passengers stranded in Mahalaxmi Express during the floods, escort operations undertaken in Persian Gulf (Op Sankalp) and defence of the oil platforms by Fast Attack Craft and employment of MARCOS will be depicted on the sides.
Navy officers who would be leading the marching contingent of 144 young sailors and the tableaux during the parade and the drum major leading the Naval Band were also introduced during a press interaction at the Kota House.
Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician) Vincnet Johnson, will lead the the brass band of the Indian Navy for the second successive year, officials said. "I have participated multiple times as band-member, and the 2020 parade would be my 16th time. Our band will play the tune of Navy song 'Jai Bharti'," he said.
Sub Lt M Spandana Reddy, 24, who hails from Hyderabad, exuded pride as being part of the navy contingent for the parade on January 26. "It is sheer pride for us.
As a navy officer, and as an Indian, the opportunity to walk down the Rajpath during the ceremonial parade fills us with an extraordinary high," Reddy told PTI. Two other woman officers -- Lt Sunaina and Sub Lt Latha Sree also expressed joy and pride for having been selected to represent the Navy in the parade.